Destination weddings to make up 30-32 pc of Indian weddings by 2028: Report
New Delhi, July 25
Destination weddings are expected to account for 30-32 per cent of all Indian weddings by 2028, up from nearly one in four currently, as couples increasingly opt for smaller, experience-led celebrations, according to WedMeGood's Destination Wedding Report 2026.
The report said destination wedding spending has increased 8 per cent year-on-year, with the average destination wedding budget reaching Rs 58 lakh, reflecting a growing preference for personalised experiences. Domestic destination weddings now have an average budget of Rs 58 lakh, while international destination weddings average over Rs 1.5 crore.
According to the report, 42 per cent of couples now prefer intimate, experience-led celebrations over larger weddings. Destination weddings also last longer, averaging 3.2 days, compared with 1.8 days before 2020, as couples place greater emphasis on guest experiences, curated food offerings, wellness activities and multi-day celebrations.
"Indian weddings are undergoing a remarkable transformation. Couples today are investing not just in celebrations, but in creating meaningful experiences that bring family and friends together," said Mehak Shahani, Co-Founder, WedMeGood. She added that destination weddings are increasingly centred on personalisation, guest engagement and immersive experiences, with budgets evolving alongside these changing expectations.
The report also identified Sri Lanka as one of the fastest-growing international destination wedding markets for Indian couples. It said 44 per cent of Indian couples prefer destinations within a two-to-four-hour flying radius, with Indian wedding bookings to Sri Lanka projected to grow 20-25 per cent annually. The destination's proximity to India, hospitality infrastructure and diverse experiences are contributing to its growing appeal.
Looking ahead, the report expects international destination weddings, particularly within Asia, to continue growing as demand for short-haul luxury travel and experience-led celebrations increases. It said Sri Lanka is likely to remain one of the key beneficiaries of this trend, strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Indian wedding travellers.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I love this trend! My cousin had a destination wedding in Udaipur last year and it was so memorable—no hall booking headaches, no endless guest lists of people you barely know. It was intimate, fun, and we made real memories. 👌
Interesting shift, but I worry about the financial pressure this puts on middle-class families. Not everyone can afford 3-day celebrations with curated food and wellness activities—yet the social pressure to keep up is real. Weddings should be about love, not competition.
As someone who loves traveling, I think this is brilliant. Sri Lanka is perfect for Indian couples—short flight, beautiful beaches, and great value for money compared to Europe. Plus, 3.2 days means you actually get to enjoy your wedding instead of just surviving it 😄
Finally! Indian weddings needed this evolution. The old format of 500+ guests, 4-day chaos, and endless rituals was exhausting. Smaller, experience-led weddings are more sustainable and meaningful. Proud to see couples prioritizing quality over quantity! 🥂
Just got married last month in Goa—similar budget to what this report mentions. Honestly, it was worth every penny. Our guests are still talking about the sunset ceremony and the Goan seafood dinner. But I agree with others that this isn't for everyone. Each to their own budget.
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